Vijayan vs Sadanandan K. & Anr

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether a default sentence can be imposed when compensation is awarded under Section 357(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.). The Court held that the High Court erred in confirming the default clause for compensation, emphasizing that Section 357(3) does not provide for default imprisonment, and recovery should follow the provisions of Section 421 Cr.P.C. The judgment of the Kerala High Court was set aside, clarifying the distinction between compensation and fine under the Cr.P.C.